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The Periodic Table is also divided into several groups: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transitions metals, other metals, nonmetals, and noble gases. The first group from the left is the alkali metals. This group has seven elements: Hydrogen, Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Caesium or Cesium (Cs) and Francium (Fr). All these elements have similar chemical characteristics. They are all very reactive metals. Most of these elements also share some very similar physical characteristics. They are conciderred very soft metals. One can cut these elements with a knife. Most also have a silvery color to them.

      • What are some examples where one can find each of those elements?


      • What is the definition of a valence electrons and how many valence electrons can be found in alkali metals?


      • Which element from the list of alkali metals is characteristically different from the rest and why?